Dear Source:
Paul Arnold and I offer our condolences to the family of Ariel Melchior, Sr., who died on July 23. As he was affectionately called, "The Founder" was one of the master craftsmen of this community. His contributions as a newspaper editor and his service in countless aspects of Virgin Islands life have truly influenced and shaped the Territory that we know and love.
Mr. Melchior enlightened us with his editorials during a long and distinguished journalism career which spanned nearly 50 years. Today when we read those editorials, some written decades ago, we come to realize his vision and foresight, as well as how many issues have remained status quo. The Virgin Islands has truly lost one of its community stalwarts. Paul and I, as well as our families and supporters, join the Melchior and Dudley families and the community in mourning his passing.
John de Jongh
